Unless you run a business whose primary market is dinosaurs, you have embraced technology. Since there is no escape from Information Technology (IT), the modern enterprise must adopt the best practices when using these systems. Nevertheless, while businesses must increasingly place their focus on emerging technologies, there has been laxity in IT security.
The value of IT security for modern businesses
Increased dependence in IT has not been without its downfalls and challenges. The most significant problem has been the security threats that businesses face each minute while using their systems. According to the latest 2020 report on cyber-security threats, these risks are enhanced by the ever-rising skills of cybercriminals.
A refuge in the time of IT needs
Even as the IT landscape gets complicated by the minute, no business can afford to ignore it. Luckily, no enterprise has to wade through the dark waters alone when they can always rely on specialists in resolving current and emerging issues. This is comfortably managed by seeking the services of an IT consultancy company to guide the business to safe harbors.
The value in sourcing for specialized IT solutions is the guaranteed guidance in protecting a business. This protection is centered not only on the complex aspects of technology but also on everyday mistakes that leave the business vulnerable. One such mistake is the way passwords are used that make them a point of weakness.
The eight common password mistakes made by businesses
- Using common passwords. It has become commonplace for businesses to have easy-to-guess passwords. This is primarily driven by the need to make it easier for employees to remember the passwords. Unfortunately, this leaves the business vulnerable to phishing attacks.
- Relying on a single password. Even if you have a secure password, re-suing it makes it dangerous, as there is the ease of access to all business accounts.
- Retaining an easily accessible password list. For businesses with different passwords, there is the mistake of saving all these details in an easily accessible location. These include saving them as a word document or on sticky notes.
- Using the same password for years. Consistency is great, but it leads to laxity, especially when it comes to business passwords.
- Settling on passwords that are too complex. While you should avoid common passwords, making them too complicated makes them easier to hack using phishing software.
- Employees using unprotected mobile devices. As more employees use their mobile phones to access business accounts, there is the problem of using devices that are not adequately protected.
- Changing passwords too frequently. It is recommended that you change passwords regularly, but doing this too often is equally risky. A foolproof strategy is to limit how frequently you make these changes.
- Using personal information on passwords. As a rule, avoid using personal information when creating passwords. This leaves a business vulnerable, as such information is easily accessible by other third parties that are not cleared to have the information.
Change is good, and as businesses increasingly depend on IT solutions, there is a need for reliable security backing. The cost of being vulnerable to security threats is too much for any enterprise to bear. As such, every business is responsible for taking charge of its IT security as it is central to the organization’s sustainability and success.
